Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
AIR TRAFFIC controllers can now each get $250,000 in a special loan scheme hammered out early yesterday morning between their union and the Ministry of Labour.
In the heads of agreement, a special $13.5 million fund would be established to provide loans to air traffic controllers. Borrowers can access up to $250,000 each, at a six per cent per annum interest rate.
The loan scheme can only be accessed once and will not be operated as a revolving fund. Loans would be repaid over three years, beginning July 1 next year. Applications for loans open on December 30, this year.
MONTHS OF NEGOTIATION
The Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers' Association (JATCA) and the Government reached the settlement following nearly six months of negotiation.
Air traffic controllers are assigned at Norman Manley and Sangster International airports to help guide planes during take-off and landing.
The JATCA, whose members number about 70, had been pressing Government for a 60 per cent wage increase over two year, to bring their salaries in line with those of flight safety inspectors.
Yesterday, JATCA president Howard Greaves told The Gleaner that while the offer wasn't what the association wanted, members felt it was the most suitable given the country's economic circumstances.
"It's the best both parties could have come to at the end of the day," he stated.
HEALTH PLANS
Another issue for which JATCA had been pressing was the improvement in health plans for its members.
Regarding health insurance, the heads of agreement noted that a new health scheme would be further discussed between JATCA and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
JATCA last took industrial action in May this year, but was forced to resume working after the Government obtained a Supreme Court injunction barring the action.
